Exterior Painting Quotes: Complete Guide
Master exterior painting estimates with detailed calculations, weather considerations, and pricing strategies for every surface type. Part of our comprehensive painting quote guide.
What is the Average Cost to Paint a House Exterior?
Exterior house painting costs average $3-7 per square foot or $3,000-8,000 for a 2,000 sq ft home. Prices vary based on siding type, height, prep work needed, and paint quality. Multi-story homes cost 20-40% more due to equipment and safety requirements.
Exterior Surface Pricing Guide
Wood Siding
Characteristics
- • Requires extensive prep work
- • May need sanding/scraping
- • Prime all bare wood
- • 2-3 coats typical
Pricing per Sq Ft
- • Good condition: $3.50-4.50
- • Minor repairs: $4.50-6.00
- • Major prep: $6.00-8.00
- • Historic restoration: $8.00+
Pro Tip: Always test for lead paint on homes built before 1978. RRP certification required for lead paint removal, adding $0.50-1.00 per sq ft.
Vinyl Siding
Characteristics
- • Minimal prep required
- • Must use vinyl-safe paint
- • Light colors only
- • 1-2 coats typical
Pricing per Sq Ft
- • Standard vinyl: $2.50-3.50
- • Textured vinyl: $3.00-4.00
- • With repairs: $3.50-5.00
- • Color change: +$0.50-1.00
Stucco
Characteristics
- • Patch cracks first
- • Elastomeric paint recommended
- • Higher paint consumption
- • Spray application best
Pricing per Sq Ft
- • Smooth stucco: $3.00-4.00
- • Textured stucco: $3.50-5.00
- • With repairs: $4.50-6.50
- • Elastomeric coating: $5.00-7.00
Brick
Characteristics
- • Requires masonry primer
- • Tuckpointing may be needed
- • Breathable paint essential
- • Limewash option available
Pricing per Sq Ft
- • Standard painting: $3.50-5.00
- • Limewash finish: $2.50-4.00
- • With tuckpointing: $6.00-10.00
- • Stain application: $2.00-3.50
Height and Access Pricing Factors
| Height/Access Type | Equipment Needed | Cost Multiplier | Safety Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Story (8-12 ft) | Step ladders | 1.0x base | Standard PPE |
| Two Story (13-25 ft) | Extension ladders | 1.2-1.4x | Fall protection |
| Three Story (26-35 ft) | Scaffolding/Lift | 1.5-1.8x | Harnesses required |
| Steep Slopes | Roof brackets | 1.3-1.5x | Specialized training |
| Limited Access | Boom lift | 1.5-2.0x | Certified operators |
Equipment Costs: Scaffolding: $15-20/day per section | 40ft Ladder: $200-300 | Boom Lift: $300-500/day | Safety Equipment: $50-100/worker
Weather and Seasonal Factors
Ideal Conditions
- • Temperature: 50-85°F
- • Humidity: 40-70%
- • No rain for 24 hours
- • Mild wind (under 15 mph)
- • No direct sun on wet paint
Standard pricing applies
Challenging Conditions
- • Temperature: Below 50°F
- • High humidity: Over 85%
- • Rainy season work
- • Extreme heat: Over 90°F
- • High winds: Over 20 mph
Add 15-25% to pricing
Seasonal Pricing
- • Spring (High demand): +10-15%
- • Summer (Peak season): +15-20%
- • Fall (Good weather): Standard
- • Winter (Off-season): -10-20%
Weather Delays
Build in contingency time:
- • Spring: +20% time buffer
- • Summer: +10% time buffer
- • Fall: +15% time buffer
- • Include rain day clause
Complete Exterior Quote Example
Two-Story Colonial Home
Property Details
- • 2,400 sq ft siding area
- • Wood siding, good condition
- • 300 linear ft trim
- • 6 shutters
- • 2 story, 22 ft peak
Materials Needed
- • Primer: 8 gallons @ $35 = $280
- • Siding paint: 16 gal @ $45 = $720
- • Trim paint: 3 gal @ $50 = $150
- • Supplies: $250
- • Total Materials: $1,400
Labor Calculation
Prep Work: 16 hours @ $50/hr = $800
Priming: 20 hours @ $50/hr = $1,000
Painting: 32 hours @ $50/hr = $1,600
Trim Work: 12 hours @ $50/hr = $600
Height Factor (1.3x): $1,200
Total Labor: $5,200
Final Quote Breakdown
Exterior Quoting Mistakes to Avoid
Common Mistakes
- ✗Not inspecting for lead paint on older homes
- ✗Underestimating paint for textured surfaces
- ✗Forgetting to price equipment rental
- ✗Not including weather contingencies
- ✗Missing hidden areas (soffits, fascia)
Best Practices
- ✓Always do a complete walk-around inspection
- ✓Take photos of all sides for reference
- ✓Test surface adhesion before quoting
- ✓Include detailed warranty information
- ✓Specify exact products and colors